FAQ
1 Common Questions
Is Attendance Required?
Attendance is not mandatory. However, clicker quizzes will be administered during lectures, and students must be present in class to participate in and receive credit for these quizzes.
May I make up a clicker quiz that I miss?
Clicker quizzes cannot be made up. However, 20% of the clicker questions given over the semester are dropped, so missing the quizzes for one or two lectures, for any reason, will not affect your grade.
Am I allowed to use AI in this course?
See AI Usage Policy
How do I submit a regrade request for an exam or quiz?
There is no direct regrade request option in PrairieLearn. However, you can report an issue with a question if you believe there is a problem. Before reporting an issue, please test your code carefully and make sure you understand the question and its requirements. Please do not report an issue based on an untested or incorrect solution, as this can lead to unnecessary confusion.
Open the completed PrairieLearn exam.
Go to the specific question whose grading you believe is incorrect.
Open the question’s options menu.
Select Report an error in this question.
- In the report, clearly explain why the grade is incorrect. For example:
The correct answer was marked wrong.
The grading rubric does not match the question.
Your answer satisfies the requirements but received insufficient credit.
There is an error in the question or the solution.
Does the second attempt use the same questions?
No. The second attempt will use a different set of questions. As a result, the second attempt may be easier for some students and more difficult for others. If you choose to take the second attempt, the grade from your second attempt will be used, regardless of whether it is higher or lower than your first-attempt grade. Therefore, please carefully consider whether you want to take the second attempt. Once you choose to take it, we will not make exceptions based on circumstances such as:
Your first-attempt grade was higher.
You found the second attempt more difficult.
You were sick during the second attempt.
You experienced hardware or technical problems during the second attempt.
Please make sure you are prepared and that your computer and other necessary equipment are working properly before beginning the second attempt.
2 Software Installation
What software do I need to install for the class?
See Setup
I’m having trouble accessing GitLab Project 1. What should I do?
You likely received an invitation to join the project by email, but the invitation was sent to your @umd.edu email address rather than your @terpmail.umd.edu address. By default, UMD GitLab accounts automatically register your email as YourEmail@terpmail.umd.edu. To make sure you receive and can access the project invitation:
Log in to GitLab and go to Preferences.
Select Emails from the menu on the left.
Add your YourEmail@umd.edu address.
Verify the email address when prompted. The verification link will redirect you to your Terpmail account.
Once your email is verified, you should have access to GitLab projects.
3 Policy
How many attempts do I get on exams and quizzes?
Two. Reserve the second sitting on PrairieTest after the first one. Note that the grade from your most recent attempt is the one that counts, not the highest. See Exams and Quizzes for details.
Guidelines for Emailing the CMSC330 Instructor
When emailing the instructor, please:
Use your UMD email account.
Include a clear subject line, such as CMSC330 – Illness / Missed Exam.
Identify yourself with your name and section.
Clearly explain your situation or question. Include relevant dates and details.
For illness or medical-related requests, please include a doctor’s note or other appropriate documentation when requesting an accommodation, makeup exam, or deadline extension.
Check the course materials first (ELMS, announcements, assignment instructions, and FAQs) to see if your question has already been answered.
Be respectful and professional. Please allow reasonable time for a response, especially during busy periods such as exams and project deadlines.
Example:
Subject: CMSC330 – Illness / Missed ExamDear Dr. Mamat,My name is Alex Smith, and I am in CMSC330-0101. I was sick and was unable to attend the exam on September 15. I would like to request a makeup exam.I have attached a doctor’s note documenting my illness. Please let me know if you need any additional information or documentation.Thank you for your understanding.Alex Smith
Please note: If you are requesting an accommodation because of illness, a doctor’s note or appropriate documentation should be provided with your email whenever possible.